The water in the bathroom does not drain well: reasons and how to properly clean it in this case

It is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of the room for hygiene procedures in order to prevent the appearance of an unpleasant sewage odor from the sink and bathtub drains. In addition, if the water in the bathroom does not drain well, this can contribute to the appearance of fungus and mold, and the active proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. The most common reason for slow water flow is a clogged drain, but sometimes water stagnates at the drain hole due to insufficient slope of the drain pipe or incorrectly sized sewer hole or drain pipe.

Operational blockage

Why does the water drain poorly from the bathtub? The problem may be caused by operational blockage that occurs as a result of ignoring preventive measures or improper operation of the system. There are natural causes that contribute to the deterioration of pipes over time. For example, this is cold water and fat. The soap or gel used for everyday hygienic showering is not enough to dissolve the grease in the sewer pipes. Small debris gradually accumulates and a blockage forms. The situation is aggravated if you do not regularly clean pipes and plumbing with special detergents.

Causes of the problem

If the water does not drain well from the bathtub, then at first glance it is difficult to determine the cause of the blockage. The problem may be due to one of several reasons. To fix the problem, you will need to use the right method and the right tools.

If the drain is clogged

The drain hole becomes clogged due to hair, pet hair, grease and soap deposits. These blockages are easy to remove with your own hands, because you don’t need to disassemble the system much.

Failure to comply with pipe slope

In order for the pipeline to function properly, the installation rules must be followed correctly. During installation, the slope of the pipe must be observed. The diameter of the pipe affects the slope value. If the slope is too small, then there is a high probability of blockages, the pipeline will have to be redone, and the help of a professional will be required when dismantling the pipes.

Incorrect diameter selection

As a rule, pipes in houses are made of plastic or metal. The diameter of the pipe affects the throughput of the pipeline. If the cross-section is small, then little water passes through the pipes. In such pipes, blockages form faster. This pipeline parameter may change due to mud deposits on the pipe walls.

Attention! An incorrectly selected diameter for pipes in the system increases the occurrence of plugs by up to sixty percent.

The sewer is clogged

This type of clog is more complex than a clogged drain. The sewer can become clogged due to mechanical stress or fat deposits. Chemical cleaning or cable cleaning will be required. The location of the blockage must be correctly determined; it may be difficult to reach. If the riser is clogged, it is better to call a plumber.

Man-made pipe blockage

Is the water draining poorly from your bathroom sink? This happens when technology is violated at the stage of construction work, wear of basic elements and in case of accidents on communications. This includes an incorrect angle of inclination of the outlet pipe, freezing or rupture of the pipe, errors in choosing a site for laying communications, and the like. In this case, it is unlikely that you will be able to fix the problems without the help of plumbers.

Features of working with corrugated pipes

Typically, if your kitchen sink is clogged, experts will use one of several methods. To eliminate contamination, special chemical compounds, a plunger and a cable can be used. The choice of cleaning method is made based on an assessment of the extent of the blockage. This should be done by professionals.

If a corrugated pipe is used to drain waste water, the problem is even more serious. The maximum amount of pollutants will settle on its surface and in this case it is impossible to do without disassembling the siphon.

It takes a lot of effort to unclog a sink that has a corrugated pipe attached to it. Specialists usually act in stages:

The pipe is unscrewed from the funnel combined with the sink;
It is also disconnected from the sewer drain;
The siphon is removed and cleaned of dirt;
The corrugated pipe is straightened and also cleaned;
All elements of the system are reconnected and installed in place.

To avoid damaging your kitchen drain system, trust our specialists to clean it.

Proper removal of blockages

If the water in the bathroom does not drain well, what should you do? You can only get rid of mechanical blockages on your own, but it is likely that this will not help or will not fix the problem for long. It is not enough to clean the pipes mechanically (with a plumbing cable or plunger) or using aggressive household chemicals.

Hydrodynamic cleaning is very effective, but for this it is necessary to supply water to the sewer system under pressure. You will need special hoses and a compressor to provide sufficient pressure. This is the fastest and safest way to clean pipes, but you will need to hire professionals.

In practice, only an integrated approach to the problem will help eliminate the blockage and forget about it for a long time in the future. Cleaning the drain system is inseparable from the measures for cleaning the sewer pipe, because small debris is not distributed locally in one area, but along the entire length of the sewer riser and discharge pipe. You can do everything yourself.

Types of blockages

To choose a way to deal with blockages, you need to evaluate the causes of the problem. Only correct identification of the original source of the problem will help to significantly reduce the time spent on removing the blockage. In some cases, it is better to immediately seek the help of a specialist.

Mechanical

The reason for the formation of such a blockage is negligence of operation, namely, the jamming of any foreign object, for example, food waste, sand, household waste. To fix the problem, you will need to remove the item; cleaning products will not help.

Operational

The main reason for the formation of this form of blockages is deposits on the walls of the pipes. It is easier to remove such blockages chemically. Occurs due to long-term operation of pipes without preventive measures to combat stagnation. The longer the service life, the narrower the hole in the pipe becomes, the greater the risk of water stagnation. When cleaning, as a rule, the cause of the appearance remains. This type of pollution can be combated through regular prevention.

Technogenic

Does not depend on operating conditions. As a rule, they appear due to incorrect installation of the sewerage system (for example, incorrect calculation of the diameter of the pipes, multiple bends, the presence of right angles), as a result of accidents or wear and tear (the appearance of cracks). Removal can only be entrusted to professionals, because the desire to save money can result in even greater repair costs. To eliminate it, a specialist will need to analyze the causes of the blockage - check for slopes, bends, and integrity.

Sometimes only new pipe laying will help solve the problem. Damage can be repaired by replacing a section of pipe.

Cleaning the drain and siphon

Small debris that turns into rotting sludge or mold that emits a foul odor is usually collected in the drain and siphon. To clean these areas, you need to remove the siphon and unscrew the mesh that holds the tube. The entire contents of the siphon must be thrown into the toilet and flushed several times. Bowls, all internal tubes, gaskets, mesh and siphon should be washed thoroughly under running water with a degreaser. It's okay if you don't have a special detergent for your plumbing. Regular dishwashing detergent effectively dissolves fats and removes dirt.

Measures to prevent contamination in the bath

In order to prevent contamination in the sink or bathtub drain, it is necessary to devote time to preventative procedures. Their implementation will not take much time, and the tools that need to be used can be found in every home.

To prevent water pipes from becoming contaminated with waste, and to prevent a situation where water does not drain well, it is necessary to cover the drain holes with special nets for protection. This device will help minimize the entry of food particles and other organic waste into the drain.

Accumulated debris should be dissolved at least once a month. This applies even to situations where the blockages are not yet too large and water flows freely into the sewer. This procedure will prevent the formation of traffic jams. It can be carried out using products sold in the store (Mole, Tiret Turbo, etc.).
Regular laundry detergent can replace such chemicals. To prevent blockages, it is necessary to close the drain holes of the bathtub and sink every 4-5 months. After this, pour a handful of powder and add very hot water. After 5 minutes, the plugs must be removed. This method will also help get rid of the unpleasant odor from the drain.
To prevent blockages from appearing for a long time, you can pour boiling water from a kettle over the drain hole. This procedure should be carried out within 2–3 minutes.

It is also very important to remove any hair caught in the drain after each shower.

Mechanical cleaning

If the water still flows poorly into the bathroom drain, you need to mechanically clean the sewer pipes. This is done before installing the siphon and other parts of the system. It is best to use a plumbing cable that is screwed into the system. To remove debris, the cable must be pulled out and cleaned periodically. It is necessary to push it until the blockage is completely removed. Once the debris is removed, the water will begin to drain normally.

To clean the system with a plunger, you need to fill the bath with water so that the valve is completely hidden. It is better to first cover the area around with film and change into overalls - the work can be dirty. The drain hole must be covered with the rubber part of the plunger, and then begin to press on the handle to push the blockage into the pipe along with the stagnant water. To flush the system as best as possible, after clearing the blockage, it is advisable to refill the bathtub with hot water and flush it.

Basic methods for solving the problem

There are three main ways to get rid of a clogged bathroom:

chemical;
mechanical;
hydrodynamic.

Chemical

The most common cause of blockages is the accumulation of deposits of grease, soap, dirt, and other biological waste. Such stagnation can be removed using specially developed chemicals, the composition of which includes acid or alkali. Such products are available in the form of gel, liquid, capsules or powder.

It is important to read the label carefully to understand what type of clog can be cleared with a particular substance.

Tools Overview

The household chemicals market is overflowing with products for every budget. However, you should choose a means to remove blockages not only based on price characteristics or the popularity of advertising videos, but also based on the reasons for the formation of blockages. Only the correct selection of the product will help you cope with the problem quickly and efficiently. All substances intended to combat blockages contain caustic soda - a strong reagent that allows you to quickly dissolve all contaminants. Each of the substances has specific effects on the human body (upon contact with the skin or mucous membranes).

"Mole"

“Mole” has been popular for decades due to its undoubted advantages:

ease of use - no need to disassemble the siphon, the product is poured into the drain hole;
cleanliness - there is no dirt from cleaning;
speed - the waiting time for the result is minimal;
cost - the price is attractive, lower than other products on the market.

The product is sold on sale in the form of a liquid, granular powder or gel. The main active ingredient is sodium hydroxide (up to 60%). Also includes:

potassium hydroxide (no more than 10%);
surfactants (10%);
water (5-25%);
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (5-10%).

When using the product, you should take precautions. If “Mole” gets on your skin, you must immediately wash off the substance with plenty of water. If the product gets into your body or eyes, consult a doctor immediately! The disadvantages of "Mole" can be considered:

toxicity;
ineffective for large blockages;
lack of protection from children;
longer waiting period compared to other means;
inconvenient packaging.

"Mister Muscle"

The product is effective for combating mild forms of pollution and is ideal for prevention. The composition includes alkali, which gently dissolves even old fat. Application does not harm the surface of the pipes (provided the manufacturer's recommendations are followed). Available in the form of foam, gel, granules. The method of application depends on the form of release:

Foam:

Pour the package (2 sections) into the drain.
Wait until foam forms, wait the time indicated on the package.
Drain the water.

Gel:

Pour the contents of the package into the drain hole.
Leave for 15 minutes, then rinse.

Granules:

Dry the drain.
Pour the granules into the hole.
Pour a glass of water. Wait 30 minutes.
Rinse off.

The advantages of using "Mr. Muscle" are:

antibacterial effect;
efficiency;
elimination of unpleasant odor;
affordable price.

The main disadvantage: the product is not intended for complex stains.

"Floop"

Efficiency is similar to "Mole". Most often used for cleaning sinks. The release form suggests two options for use: pour the substance with hot or cold water. Waiting time - 15 minutes. The advantages of the product include:

antibacterial effect;
elimination of unpleasant odor;
speed.

"Tiret"

It features the most active marketing campaign. Effective for removing contaminants in pipes or sewers, both plastic and metal. The composition of Tiret is harmless to humans and animals. Benefits of using the product:

speed - it takes 5 minutes to clear a small blockage, up to 30 minutes for a complex blockage;
nice smell;
protection from children.

Disadvantages include the high cost and violent reaction of the substance upon contact with water, which requires precautions during use.

Terms of use

The use of one or another remedy in each specific situation is individual. Before use, you must read the instructions. The method of application is identical:

Pour the amount of liquid specified in the instructions into the clogged pipe.
Wait the recommended time.
Turn on the water and check if the problem persists.

If the problem persists, you can repeat the procedure, contact a specialist, or use another method.

Mechanical

This method is worth thinking about if cleaning with household chemicals does not bring results. It involves the use of a plunger or plumbing cable. For a successful result, you need to know the rules for using these funds.

plunger

A plunger is the first way to deal with a blockage that chemicals have not helped clear. The procedure can be messy, so it's best to change clothes and cover the bathroom floor. In this case, the fight against blockage goes through the following stages:

Fill the bathtub with water until the rubber part of the plunger is completely immersed (about a third). It is better to plug the overflow hole first.
Cover the drain hole at the bottom of the tub with the rubberized part of the plunger.
Press the handle several times. This will allow any existing debris to be pushed into the drain pipe.
Rinse off remaining traces of contamination with a stream of water.

If the water does not drain after several repetitions of the procedure, the contamination may be deep in the pipes and require the use of a plumbing cable.

Plumbing cable

One of the most effective ways to deal with bathroom blockages is to use a plumbing rope. There are several types of this tool, the use of each of which is advisable for different forms of contamination.

Cable

The simplest form of plumbing cable is perfect for dealing with blockages in the apartment. It is a cord made of galvanized steel wires twisted into a spiral. Thickness is about 6 mm, length can reach 5 meters. Advantages:

high wear resistance;
good maneuverability;
resistance to torque in the opposite direction from the curl.

Disadvantages can be considered:

weak penetration force;
high risk of loose ends;
low elasticity.

Rope rope does not cope well with hair and fibrous causes of contamination.

Spring wound

This type also does not belong to the category of professional, it is intended for solving everyday problems. The thickness does not exceed 10 mm, length - 5 meters. Has a ribbed structure. Features of this cable:

high flexibility and permeability;
wear resistance;
Difficult to maintain: the internal cavity quickly becomes dirty and is difficult to clean;
low penetration force.

The use of a spring-wound cable is recommended for cleaning pipes and sewers with a large number of bends.

Professional

To solve large-scale, and not just everyday problems, a professional plumbing cable is suitable - a spring cable with a core. The diameter of such a cable reaches 30 mm, length - 60 meters. It is a twisted wire wrapped in a spring spiral with a steel core. There are two types of cable:

With a rotating core - there is a place for attaching the nozzle, the last layer is wound with a gap.
With a rigidly fixed core - they resemble a rope-type cable. The last layer is attached in the form of a spring. May have a mount for a nozzle. They are characterized by high wear resistance.

Increasing the slope of the drainage system

Water may not drain well from the bathroom due to insufficient slope of the drainage pipe (or their system), and therefore there is no movement to the sewer. In such cases, it is not recommended to use chemical or mechanical methods. To increase the slope, you will need to lower the riser socket or raise the bath itself. However, it is important to know that too much slope will lead to the effect of bubbling water at the time of draining. For this reason, it is necessary to adhere to the recommended slope value, namely 15%.

Hydrodynamic

The hydrodynamic method of removing blockages in the bathroom involves cleaning with high water pressure. To do this, you will need a compressor to create flow and a special hose. Stages:

Prepare equipment.
Insert the end of the hose into the pipe (it is better to remove the siphon first).
Turn on the compressor.
As soon as the water begins to decrease, the procedure should be stopped.

This method is one of the most effective and safe.

Cleaning with household chemicals

After completing all of the above steps, all that remains is to clean the sewer system using household chemicals. A packet of detergent, which breaks down fats, softens plaque and kills pathogenic microorganisms, should be poured down the drain. You need to leave it for 15-40 minutes (the exact time is indicated in the instructions for the detergent), and then rinse the pipes with running hot water for 10-15 minutes.

How to properly clear a blockage

If the water from the sink drains slowly, but still, it is most likely only the pipe that is clogged. You can pour a fat-dissolving agent into it and push it several times with a hard bottle brush. It is not difficult to deal with fat this way. It’s worse if the inside of the pipe is covered with limescale. You will have to dissolve it with acid-containing products.

A clogged siphon is a more serious problem, but fortunately it unwinds. However, unwinding and radical cleaning of the siphon is an extreme method. You can try to remove the blockage using simpler methods.

Use a plunger. It creates a vacuum and forces dirt from the siphon to rise up into the sink, after which it can be easily removed with a napkin. This needs to be done until the water leaves the sink in a powerful funnel.
If the plunger does not cope with the task, you can lower a special cable into the siphon through the pipe and scroll it several times. It will loosen the seal, after which the plunger method should work.
Before placing the cable and using the plunger, you can pour a special granular anti-clogging agent into the pipe. It swells and carries solid particles with it. The blockage is dissolving.
If the plastic siphon can be unscrewed and washed, the old cast iron one is screwed almost tightly. And the hatch designed to provide access to the siphon is most likely screwed on with bolts that are tightly rusted. In this case, there is no other way but to cut the siphon and replace it with a plastic one.

Incorrect pipe slope

If the water in the bathroom does not drain well, but there is no blockage, then the cause of the problem most likely lies in a violation of the plumbing technology. Perhaps the pipe slope is insufficient, so that the draining water does not reach the socket. This is determined visually. To increase the slope of the pipe, you need to lower or raise the bath.

The standard maximum slope is 15%. The optimal value is 30-50 mm per meter of pipe. With slopes less than 15 or more than 60 mm, the likelihood of blockages significantly increases. In addition, it is not recommended to install corner elements at 90 degrees when laying the system. If necessary, it is better to install two turns at 45 degrees.

Cleaning with a cable

The cable is a radical way to “treat” blockages, which has proven itself very well. First, you need to purchase a cable; it is better to choose a model equipped with a special handle. The cables are made of high-strength steel that is resistant to mechanical damage and corrosion, so such products will serve you for more than 50 years.

Using a cable, you must carefully place its end, equipped with a brush or hook, into the drain hole, after which the cable must be inserted into the pipe by turning a special handle. Sooner or later, the end of the cable will hit a blockage, at which point you must sharply push it inside, destroying the dirt plug. The method is labor-intensive, but it gives a 100% guarantee that the water will go away.

Advice! After destroying the blockage, be sure to rinse the pipes with plenty of boiling water. It is necessary to pour at least 5-7 liters of hot water into the sink.

Insufficient section size

Is the water draining poorly in the bathroom? If the “wrong” pipes are installed, you will have to change the entire system so that you no longer face the problem of constant blockages. Previously, designers were generally limited to three sections: 150 mm cast iron pipes were rarely used inside buildings, risers were assembled from 100 mm ones, and the rest were assembled from 50 mm ones. Today, the range of products has expanded significantly. In most cases, pipe diameter and configuration are selected based on recommendations and regulatory requirements.

For internal networks, any available diameter of cast iron (50, 100, 150 mm) or plastic (16-160 mm) sewer pipe can be used. A cross-section of 32 mm or more is suitable for a bathroom sink where fats do not drain. For kitchen sinks, bath and shower drains, washing machines and dishwashers, a pipe of at least 40 mm in diameter is required. For a combined bathtub and shower drain, it is better to choose 50 mm, more than three appliances without a toilet are connected to a horizontal “bed” 60 mm, more than five appliances - 75 mm, toilet and vertical risers - 100-110 mm.

Hydraulic cleaning

For the vast majority of homeowners, solving the problem of when a bathtub is clogged and how to clean it if the water is stagnant does not present any particular difficulties - every house or apartment has a simple plunger that allows you to quickly remove the blockage anywhere. The device is a hemispherical rubber valve with a vertically mounted handle; when you press on the handle and lower it down, the valve compresses and pushes out the air underneath it.

For professional cleaning, there are analogues of a household plunger, which are an elastic valve that does not compress during operation - air is supplied to it by a piston, similar to a bicycle pump.

The principle of clearing blockages in the bathroom using a plunger is quite simple and consists of several operations:

Turn on hot water at full power to fill the sewer system, and place a plunger on the drain hole.
Press the handle periodically with a back-and-forth motion, causing the water inside the pipes to move back and forth.
After 5 - 10 cycles of lowering the plunger handle, it is removed, hot water is again poured into the drain hole and the operation is repeated.

For more effective cleaning, you can additionally use any chemicals poured into hot water: washing powders, special chemical compounds for dissolving dirt deposits.

Cleaning pipes with a plunger and chemicals

Hydrodynamic cleaning

Removing blockages with a plunger is widely used at home; the effectiveness of the method due to the low speed and low pressure of the water flow on the contamination is not too high. For professional cleaning work using water, electrical installations are used, in which liquid is supplied into the channel under pressure through a hose. A high-pressure plunger pump is used as a pressure unit; in professional installations, pressure regulation and control is provided, and a reel is placed on which the hose is wound.

At home, you can make an analogue of a professional hydrotreating system using water supplied with pressure from the general house network, however, this will require some work. It will be necessary to make an adapter from the supply pressure hose (for example, a tube for medical droppers) to the threaded pipe of the gander into which the aerator filter is screwed. The efficiency of this design is low, since water is supplied only forward, so the outlet of the tube should be welded, and holes should be made in the side walls so that water under pressure flows onto the contaminated inner shell of the sewer pipes.

The process of hydraulic cleaning with an industrial device is carried out in the following way:

Insert the pressure hose into the sewer pipe (the siphon is first removed and washed) and turn on the pump to supply water under pressure.
The hose is slowly moved along the length of the entire pipe; when it reaches the extreme point, it is also slowly pulled back out.
The procedure can be repeated several times; upon completion of the work, put the siphon in place and check the drain.

The principle of hydrotreating and the units used

Preventing blockages

Is the water draining poorly in the bathroom? After comprehensive cleaning of the system, it is necessary to carry out preventive maintenance from time to time so that the problem does not arise again and again. You can install filters and meshes (grids) on the drain, which reliably protect the internal parts of the plumbing from small debris. Every few days you need to flush the system with hot water to protect the pipes from the accumulation of fatty deposits. In addition, plumbing needs periodic preventive cleaning (both mechanically and with household chemicals).

Who is to blame and what to do?

Two eternal Russian philosophical questions are quite applicable to our situation. First , check whether there is a special mesh on the sink drain that does not allow food debris, large fractions of vegetable peels, hair and pet hair to freely penetrate into the sewer pipe and form such a delicious plug there, mixing with fat.

If there is no mesh , only you are to blame, how to remove the blockage - urgently go to the hardware store for a miracle mesh.

But there may well be a situation where the fat washed off from the dishes remains on the walls of the sewerage elements and catches the smallest food debris and so on. A clog forms, just not so quickly, not once a week, but once a year , and then one day, not a wonderful day, the water stands in the sink, and the plastic mesh, on which so much hope is placed, drifts on the surface of the water.

What should I do? Let's roll up our sleeves and get down to business.

But the owners are not always to blame; let’s list all the causes of blockages:

the fine litter already mentioned above (food remains, fat, threads, hair);
corrosion of pipes (typical of old housing stock);
defects in the operation of the sewer system (improper installation of the siphon, depressurization of the pipeline, etc.).

In our article we will analyze options for action for the first, most common reason. If old pipes are corroded, they become brittle - in this case, they should be replaced with more modern building materials (in a plastic pipe, for example, there will be no such deposits).

If there are defects in the sewer system, specialists should be invited to diagnose and fix the problem.

The kitchen sink is clogged, what to do: folk and mechanical methods, how to clean it

If the kitchen sink is clogged, what should you do to ensure that activity in this most important room is not paralyzed until a team of plumbers arrives? Not a single housewife is insured against such an emergency situation, and in this regard, it is necessary to know several ways to eliminate this problem and be able to apply them. Moreover, there is not always a special solution in the kitchen that can cope with this task, therefore, knowing the methods using improvised means, you can always get out of the situation by using them in practice.

The kitchen sink is clogged, what should I do?

In the sewer drainage system there is one most problematic place where sediment collects. In some designs this is a siphon reservoir, and in others it is a curved section of pipe that plays its role (otherwise this element is called a water seal). In this place of the sink drain, dirty water is usually retained, and, naturally, the dirt settles on the walls of the lower part of the siphon, where in most cases a blockage is formed.

Various types of siphons - in the vast majority of cases, blockages occur here

If such an emergency does occur, then you should not immediately call a plumber, since you can save on this process by doing the work yourself.

There are many ways to clear your kitchen sink drain of accumulated dirt. Some of them have been tested over the years of use by many generations of owners, while others were invented by craftsmen quite recently, and they use means that, it would seem, are absolutely far from plumbing.

Sink clogs can be of three types:

Operational, resulting from accumulated grease and dirt deposits.
Mechanical, which appeared due to the entry of large debris into the drain, which interferes with the free movement of water.
Technical blockages that can occur due to improperly assembled siphon design or due to manufacturing defects. This option can sometimes be corrected solely by replacing the siphon drain block.

In any case, you need to try to fix the problem yourself, especially since replacing a corrugated pipe in combination with a siphon is also not a task of increased complexity. However, before purchasing a new kit, you should try different cleaning methods.

Cleaning a sink with a plunger

The method of cleaning a sink using a plunger is considered traditional and quite effective. Therefore, this plumbing accessory should be in any household, especially since it is inexpensive and can be used for decades.

A plumbing fixture known to almost everyone is the plunger.

First way

The plunger consists of a comfortable wooden or polymer handle and a thick rubber cap. This simple device works on the principle of creating a small force of water hammer in the drain pipe. Under its influence, the accumulated caked dirt moves from its place and rises from the siphon to the level of the outlet pipe, and the water then carries it into the sewer.

In order to manipulate the plunger, you need to grab its handle with both hands and press the cap to the drain hole of the sink. The rubber part of the plunger works like a suction cup and, when pressed, attaches well to a smooth ceramic or metal surface.

Techniques for working with a plunger

Then, using force, you need to perform several progressive pressing movements down and up. At this time, liquid movement occurs inside the pipe, which is transmitted to all the accumulations in the blockage. They lag behind the walls and can freely move along with the incoming water into the sewer.

The operating principle of a plunger is that the hydraulic shock it creates removes the blockage from its place

If the first attempt was unsuccessful, and the water still does not drain well or does not drain at all, then manipulations with the plunger should be repeated until a positive result is obtained. If, when removing the cap from the drainage point, dirt and plaque elements come out into the sink along with it, they must be removed immediately to avoid re-clogging the pipe.

It is very important - if a pipe from the overflow hole is connected to the drain pipe, then this hole must be closed, for example, by making a gag from a wet rag. Otherwise, attempts are doomed to failure - the water will follow the path of least resistance and begin to exit the overflow hole without transmitting the hydraulic shock to the accumulations of dirt.

Second way

If you are unable to deal with the blockage using only a plunger, then this tool can be used in combination with a mixture, the ingredients of which are found in any kitchen - soda and salt.

For the cleaning process, you need to take a glass of salt and the same amount of soda, then mix them together and carefully pour them into the drain. After this, a glass of boiling water is poured there. The mixture should fall into the siphon glass, so you should not pour in a large amount of water. After carrying out this simple process, you need to leave the sink alone for 10-15 minutes. Then the plunger comes into operation again, which should again carry out the manipulation already described above, remove the rising dirt, and rinse the pipes with an intense stream of water.

Traditional cleaning methods

Sometimes it is possible to clean a sink without using a plunger, for example, if there is an operational blockage, that is, water does not pass through due to a thick layer of fatty deposits on the walls of the pipe. This process will also require substances that are always available in the kitchen, and the main one is again soda, since it is the one that can dissolve the fatty components in the deposited layers. It is better to use technical soda for these activities, which is often used to soften water in washing machines, but its food version is also quite suitable.

First way

This method is the simplest of all existing ones. The technology is simple - 3÷5 tablespoons of soda and approximately 250÷300 ml of boiling water are poured into the drain hole, and after 10÷15 minutes the drain is poured with hot water.

Second way

Take soda again, the same amount as in the first method, and pour it into the drain. Then, a glass of vinegar is poured into it, and all this is left for 10-15 minutes, since a chemical reaction between these two ingredients should occur in the contaminated siphon. It is during the violent reaction that the mixture will promote the dissolution and detachment of dirt from the walls of the siphon and pipes. When using ingredients that react with each other, the drain hole must be closed at the top with a stopper so that the foam and gases released remain inside the drain system.

Baking soda and vinegar are great helpers for clearing blockages.

After the specified time has elapsed, the waste system is flushed with hot water.

If concentrated acetic acid is used for cleaning, it must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1:9, otherwise plastic pipes may not withstand the process of an excessively violent exothermic reaction, melt and leak.

Third option

In this case, use: soda and washing powder, 3-5 large spoons each, and a glass of vinegar. Soda and powder are poured into the drain, which is then filled with vinegar on top and left for 15-20 minutes. After this, the pipes and siphon are thoroughly washed with hot water.

Video: baking soda and vinegar “guard” the cleanliness of the sink drain

Fourth option

With this cleaning method, instead of soda, a drug used to relieve hangover syndrome, Alka-Seltzer, is used. 2÷3 tablets of this product need to be thrown into the drain hole, and then pour a glass of vinegar into it. This ingredient, like soda, will give a very violent reaction when interacting with vinegar, in which fat will dissolve, and dirt will break down and actively move away from the walls of the siphon and pipes. After 8÷10 minutes, the waste system must be rinsed with hot water.

"Alka-Seltzer", in addition to its direct purpose, can also help in the fight against clogged drains

The advantage of using Alka-Seltzer over soda is that in addition to cleaning the pipes, it effectively removes the unpleasant odor from the accumulated mass. However, it should be noted that this cleaning method is only suitable for eliminating operational gaps.

Cleaning using specialized chemicals

All of the above-described folk compositions are used to clean drains in our time, usually in extreme cases, since in the hardware store you can find a large number of chemicals intended specifically for this process. Moreover, it should be noted that the price for them can lie in a fairly wide range - from expensive to completely affordable for everyone.

The range of special chemical compounds for eliminating blockages and preventing them is very wide

Household chemicals intended for cleaning are divided into those produced in liquid or dry form, in the form of powder or granules. All drugs are made on an alkaline or acid basis.

Cleaning agents must be selected depending on the material from which the sewer outlet pipes are made. Basically, all products are suitable for both plastic and metal pipes, but still, before purchasing, you should study the instructions from the manufacturer. Otherwise, a situation may arise that you will have to not only do urgent cleaning in the kitchen, but also buy a new drainage system.

Acid compounds are considered universal means, which can dissolve operational blockages and free pipes from large debris.

Most often, a “Mole” type cleanser is chosen from this type of composition. Work with these reagents is carried out in the following order:

Pour boiling water into the drain and leave for about 20 minutes.
After this, a cleaning solution is added to the hole and left for several hours. You cannot use the sink at this time, so it is better to carry out all manipulations late in the evening - an aggressive cleanser will do its job overnight.
In the morning, the pipes must be thoroughly flushed with cold water.

Necessary and similar products can free the system not only from fatty deposits, but also from rust if metal pipes are installed.

Since any product intended for cleaning pipes is an aggressive environment, you need to work with it extremely carefully, taking the necessary precautions. Be sure to wear rubber gloves on your hands and ensure that drops or dry composition of the substance do not come into contact with the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes. Before starting work, it is imperative to study the manufacturer’s instructions in detail.

Prices for cleaning products for tiles, plumbing and pipes

Cleaning products for tiles, plumbing and pipes

Mechanical cleaning methods

Mechanical cleaning methods include several options - using a plumbing cable, a special plastic household hook, or even a vacuum cleaner.

Such methods can be called drastic, and they are used only in cases where none of the methods described above worked with sufficient efficiency.

First way

To clean the drain yourself mechanically, you can use a special hook made of flexible plastic. Although this device is called a hook, it looks more like a narrow bar with small peculiar “spikes” on the sides. This rack has a handle on top that makes cleaning the sink more convenient.

Special cleaning hook

Such a hook is used to remove mechanical blockages from the pipe and siphon, that is, elements that are not dissolved with the help of chemicals and folk remedies, for example, hair or fibers from fabric.

This device works as follows:

The plastic hook is lowered into the drain hole, carefully bypassing the existing jumpers.
Using a handle, it is scrolled through the pipe and siphon.
When scrolling, accumulated dirt gets caught on the side “spikes” and wraps around.
After this, the bar is carefully pulled out of the drain along with the dirt, which is immediately removed into the trash bin.
If necessary, the procedure is repeated.

Second way

This cleaning method is available to those who have a powerful vacuum cleaner with a blowing function. A similar operation can be carried out using an electric mini-wash.

To use compression and push the stagnation further down the pipe and then into the sewer riser, you need to remove the nozzle from the vacuum cleaner and wrap it around the perimeter with a thin cloth so that it fits tightly into the drain hole. Then it is lowered into the hole as deep as possible, and the vacuum cleaner is turned on to blow. A strong air flow will clear the pipe from blockages.

The washing vacuum cleaner needs to be used differently. The principle of its operation is diametrically opposite - in this case the vacuum cleaner is used to pull dirt out of the siphon. To do this, a special suction cup is placed on the end of the pipe; instead, you can use a plunger cap if it is made of elastic rubber.

You can try to break through or pull out the blockage using a washing vacuum cleaner.

The nozzle installed on the vacuum cleaner is pressed against the drain hole as tightly as possible so that it fits tightly to the bottom of the sink, and then the device is turned on to retract. Dirt from the pipe or siphon, drawn through the pipe, will fall into a special chamber for dirty water. This will clear the sink drain.

Third way

If the hook does not reach the clog, and the vacuum cleaner fails because the plug in the drain is too dense, you can try using a special plumbing cable that has a comfortable handle on one side and a brush attachment on the other. or spiral. This cleaning tool is made of resilient steel and has a plastic outer coating for easy cleaning after use.

A special plumbing cable with a “ruff” at the end

The working end of the cable with the “ruff” is gradually immersed in the drain hole, and using the handle, using the principle of screwing, the cable is pushed through the siphon into the pipe.

In the process of scrolling, the brush cleans off all the plaque that has accumulated on them from the walls and pushes the mud stagnation towards the sewer main pipe. To enhance the cleaning effect, you need to periodically turn on hot water, which will immediately carry dirt deposits into the sewer.

This method of cleaning pipes is well suited if the drainage system is made of metal, since the brush is able to clean off not only dirty, but also rusty deposits. If it is used for a plastic system, then you need to act extremely carefully so as not to damage the walls of the siphon and pipes.

If you don’t have such a cable on your farm, you can make a similar cleaning device from elastic wire or a plastic hanger. So, the longest part of the hanger is cut out - the crossbar, on which a small hook is left at the end.

This is how you can make a homemade hook for cleaning a drain.

If the cable is made of wire, it is first straightened, and then a small hook is bent at one of the ends. However, this type of cleaning is less effective, since even a bent wire is not able to collect all the dirt formed on the internal walls.

Dirt and accumulated fibers are hooked and pulled out

Fourth method

Method number four is a last resort in cleaning the sink, and even if it does not help, then the cause should be sought not in the drainage system, but in the sewer pipe. And in this case, most likely, only a specialist can help.

However, it is still worth trying to solve the problem yourself. The method involves radically cleaning the siphon.

Standard diagram of a drainage device with a siphon

The process can be carried out using two methods - complete disassembly of the entire drainage system, or unwinding of only the siphon cup, if its design allows this.

It should be noted that this process is not a pleasant one, but if you want to save on calling a plumber and quickly clean the sink drain, then the work done will be fully justified.

Since the main cause of blockage lies in the siphon, it’s worth starting with it. If it turns out to be clean, then you can begin to remove and disassemble the entire drain system.

The plastic siphon consists of two parts, which are twisted together using a threaded connection. To clean, this unit must be disassembled. Before you start work, you should be well prepared so as not to further complicate the matter with cleaning. It is necessary to place a suitable basin or bucket under the sink, since when the siphon is untwisted, dirty water will definitely flow out of it.

The siphon should be disassembled over a bucket or basin placed below

Having unscrewed the lower part of the siphon, you need to rinse it and remove any debris that interfered with the drainage of water. If no serious blockages are found in it, you need to inspect another problem area - the connection of the siphon with the corrugated pipe, since sometimes dirt, rising from the bottom of the siphon, gets stuck in this area.

Having disassembled the siphon, you need to carefully remove and wash or even replace all the rubber or plastic gaskets in it, since during assembly they will need to be correctly installed in place. Very often, after disassembly, it is clear that the gaskets are deformed, pinched, have tears and cannot be reused - you will have to purchase new ones. True, they are quite inexpensive.

All dirt is removed from the siphon and pipe, they are thoroughly washed, and after that all elements of the system can be assembled and installed in place.

After disassembling, cleaning and washing all parts of the drain, you can proceed to reinstallation

The container from under the sink does not need to be removed until the drainage system has been tested for leaks. To check the quality of assembly and the tightness of all connections, it is necessary to turn on the water under high pressure and flush the pipes generously. At this time, you need to monitor all connections - they must remain completely dry. If leakage is detected, the connection should be tightened, but if this does not help, then a poor-quality gasket has been installed.

When tightening the connecting nodes, there is no need for “fanaticism” - it is not at all difficult to deform the plastic thread, thereby rendering the part unusable. Here, high-quality cuffs or pads still play a more important role.

Read useful information from the article - “Installing a sink above a washing machine.”

Video: cleaning a sink drain with disassembling the siphon

Preventing clogs in the kitchen sink

In order to avoid resorting to the methods described above for cleaning the drain for as long as possible, it is necessary to regularly carry out preventive measures that will allow you to operate the kitchen sink for a long time without the occurrence of emergency situations.

Greasy dishes should be washed only with hot water and household detergents that break down grease.
All dishes should be thoroughly cleaned of food residues before placing them in the sink.
An additional removable mesh with small cells must be installed at the drain hole, which will let only water into the drain, filtering out large inclusions
Every week it is advisable to carry out preventative flushing of the drain system using boiling water and soda.